greyhound racing ban
Rate this news

Greyhound Racing Ban Sought in Scotland 

Historically both horse racing and greyhound racing have been the mainstay of the betting industry for literally hundreds of years. Even today, there are many punters betting on the dogs in the hope to win the jackpot online. But with today’s society being more concerned about animal welfare, then it’s not surprising that both of these activities are going to cause controversy. Every once in a while, a call will emerge insisting on the banning of both sports. Recently one such call for a complete greyhound racing ban has resurfaced in Scotland.

Bodog Sportsbook Welcome Bonus

100% Bonus up to $300

18+. New customers only. Wagering requirement is 5X Sports | 5X Horses | 40X Casino on both the initial deposit and the bonus amount. T&Cs apply.

Greyhound Racing Decreasing In Popularity

Though greyhound racing does remain popular in some countries around the world, in many Westernized nations its market share of bettors is beginning to shrink. To that end, it looks inevitable that their days are numbered. Not surprisingly, many global organizations dealing with animal welfare have attempted to stop both greyhound and horse racing at all levels. The Scottish arm of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SCPA) is now pushing the latest attempt to retire the sport of greyhound racing for good. Even if this can only come about thanks to a greyhound racing ban. They’re lobbying lawmakers under the banner that this is an outdated industry. Furthermore, they’re certain that these races lead to injury and death of the dogs involved.

The chief superintendent of the SCPA, Mike Flynn, wrote it all makers last week requesting that they intervene. In his letter, he pointed out that just this year alone over 15 greyhounds had died. With another 197 suffering injuries. And these numbers were from just one race track. Furthermore, everyone knows that all dogs are full of steroids, as well as other illegal medicines. These are in common use within both the dog and horse racing industry. “Scotland needs to lead the way in the UK and put the welfare of racing greyhounds first by implementing a full ban on this outdated industry,” Scottish SPCA head Mike Flynn said.

Claims Of Cruelty Are Out Of Place

greyhound

In many ways, they have a good point. Today we’re seeing many industries where animals are in use for entertainment, such as circuses or other forms of animal betting, are now winding back their use of animals. The SCPA is against animals being “used and exploited for human gain or profit.” It argues that the greyhound industry, as a whole, allows a huge amount of animal cruelty to occur on a daily basis. As you’d expect the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GPGB), which oversees all greyhound racing, rejects these claims. They claim it’s no different than taking a punt to win the football jackpot

Last year there was a previous attempt to implement a greyhound racing ban across the UK. At that time the GBGB issues statements downplayed the animal’s cruel angle. Interestingly enough, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain actually received financial support from the UK Betting and Gaming Council. In order to receive these funds, they must comply with an established code of practices. Government inspectors should carry out regular inspections of both the facilities and the dogs themselves.

Click here for Odds On all the Traditional Sports at Bodog

The Greyhounds Are Well Looked After

The GBGB CEO, Mark Bird, commented that they are closely monitored. And all greyhounds have to be registered and kept under a strict anti-doping policy. He went on to say that there’s no room for mistreatment of greyhounds within their industry. If they were to find any evidence of mistreatment, then they would take the strongest legal action against those involved. So it looks like a case of “he said she said.” As you can imagine, he’s not too fond of the idea of a complete greyhound racing ban. The BGBG actually donates around 75% of its profits to animal welfare organizations. It also claims to make huge efforts to rehome retired dogs. In fact, it points to statistics from 2020 where it says that around 95% of all retired greyhounds have successfully found new homes.

Nevertheless, with the new Scottish government wanting to make its own mark away from the British Parliament, it looks like the new message may find support. To be frank, greyhound racing in the UK has been on a steady decline over the past decade. In 2009, the industry was worth around £1 billion pounds according to Statista. Today it’s worth around a third of that, and the industry continues to decline each year. Online sportsbooks like Bodog Sportsbook still happily take wagers on the dogs. In fact, if you study the form and learn some jackpot winning strategies, you can have an entertaining and profitable afternoon at the races.

Greyhound Racing Ban: Call Off the Dogs

dog racing

The SCPA has promised that all the racing dogs will find new homes should lawmakers decide to back this measure. It states that it will happily take on the responsibility for the well-being of the greyhounds and also spay or neuter all former racing dogs. A separate animal welfare protection organization has been making similar efforts in Scotland. Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE) also wants to ban greyhound racing. It has continuously presented requests to do so to the Scottish parliament.

Since 2019, the Scottish Parliament has had the group’s initiative for a greyhound racing ban on the table. Yet so far it has failed to either approve or reject it. Somehow it seems as though the proposed ban never quite gains enough momentum to carry it through to bring about a change in the law. So, if you have an interest in the racing of dogs, then you’re time is running out. Get yourself over to Bodog Sportsbook after arming yourself with some jackpot winning tips and tricks. They are offering all new punters a fantastic welcome bonus of 100% up to $300! 

Click here to visit the Bodog Sportsbook